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Things to do in Devon for a Perfect Slow Sunday

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South Western Railway March 13, 2026 7 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Morning: Harbour Calm in Torquay
Midday: Scenic journey through South Devon
Afternoon: Slow Moments in Plymouth
Evening: Sunset over the sea at Plymouth Hoe
Wanting to explore more of Devon?
Plan your trip to Devon with South Western Railway

Things to do in Devon for a Perfect Slow Sunday

A curved path runs through a sunny park where people sit and walk among historic buildings and trees.

Sometimes you just need to slow down, switch off and let the pace of the day guide you. Devon offers exactly that. Sweeping coastlines, quiet harbour towns and rolling countryside define Devon. It is a place that naturally invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with the rhythm of the sea and land.

The South Western Railway network connects you to fantastic destinations, from coastal escapes in Torquay and Paignton to the historic gateway of Exeter as well as the waterfront city of Plymouth. Board a South Western Railway train and watch the landscape change as you travel west. Fields, rivers and glimpses of the coast signal that your slow Sunday has already begun before you even arrive.

You might think of Devon as somewhere you visit for a quick beach stop or a day trip, but there is so much more to experience when you approach it at a gentler pace. In this guide, we share the perfect slow Sunday itinerary and show you how to enjoy Devon in a way that feels relaxed, intentional and unforgettable.

Morning: Harbour Calm in Torquay

Step off the train into Torquay and you quickly feel the waterfront atmosphere, where colourful buildings line the marina and boats gently rock with the tide.

Torquay Harbour sits at the heart of the town and is around a 25-minute walk from the station, quietly anchoring daily life around the water. With space for almost 1,000 berths, it is a busy yet protected yacht haven where fishing boats, local vessels and visiting cruisers sit side by side.

Start with a slow wander along the quayside. Watch boats drift in and out with the tide, masts swaying gently against the skyline and crews moving at an unhurried pace. The harbour feels alive but never rushed.

Grab a coffee at The Dock on the waterfront and settle into a seat facing the marina. Let the harbour unfold in front of you as boats move gently with the tide and the silhouettes of Haldon Pier and Princess Pier frame the bay. The breakwaters shelter the water, while views stretch across Torre Abbey Sands and out towards the wider horizon. It is one of those quiet moments where time slows down and the rhythm of the harbour becomes part of your day.

After leaving the harbour, wander along the coastline toward Meadfoot Beach for a quieter stretch of sand and sea. Tucked into a sheltered cove on the English Riviera, the beach feels more intimate than the busier stretches of Tor Bay, with calm water and views that open out across the horizon.

It is the perfect place to begin slowly.

Midday: Scenic journey through South Devon

When you’re ready for the next chapter of the day, make your way back and board a direct train service from Torquay towards Plymouth.

The journey takes around an hour, yet it unfolds at a relaxed pace that feels effortless. As the train pulls away, the Riviera coastline slowly gives way to open countryside, tidal inlets and wide skies.

You catch glimpses of estuaries reflecting the light, quiet villages tucked into green hills and sudden flashes of sea that appear and disappear between the curves of the track.

There is something calming about watching Devon roll past at a steady rhythm. No traffic. No navigation. Just the gentle hum of the train and the changing landscape outside. It is a moment to pause, put the phones away and enjoy proper conversation with the people you are travelling with. Let the journey become part of the experience, not something to simply get through.

Instead of feeling like travel, it feels like transition, a soft shift between one atmosphere and another. By the time you arrive in Plymouth station, you are not rushing into the next part of your day. You are simply continuing it.

Afternoon: Slow Moments in Plymouth

Arrive in Plymouth and feel the shift in pace as the waterfront comes into view.

Leave Plymouth station and follow the path down toward the Barbican, taking around 20 minutes to drift gradually closer to the water. The walk feels like a slow unveiling, with streets opening up to glimpses of the harbour before it fully appears.

The Barbican is Plymouth’s historic old port, shaped by centuries of sea trade, exploration and resilience. Narrow cobbled streets weave past Elizabethan warehouses, independent shops, galleries and waterfront cafés. It is a place where history lingers in the architecture and in the quiet details of the buildings that once served merchants, mariners and traders.

Along the water sits the distinctive glazed building that once housed the old fish market, now thoughtfully transformed into a vibrant space for visitors. Step onto the ancient quayside and you walk in the same footsteps as the Pilgrims, privateers and explorers who departed from these shores.

Pause for lunch at Bon Sante and settle into a table to enjoy a relaxed break during your afternoon. The restaurant offers a fresh globally inspired menu of fusion dishes, from vibrant noodle bowls and tacos to seasonal salads and hearty mains, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. It is a comfortable spot to refuel before continuing your slow Sunday in Plymouth.

After exploring the Barbican, let your walk guide you toward open space and fresh air as the waterfront gradually opens up into wider views.

Evening: Sunset over the sea at Plymouth Hoe

Make your way from the Barbican toward Plymouth Hoe as the light begins to soften.

The Hoe rises above Plymouth Sound, one of the world’s great natural harbours and a protected historic park, offering sweeping views across the water and out toward the horizon.

It is a place where history feels present in the landscape. Standing here, you can almost imagine Sir Francis Drake finishing a quiet game of bowls before setting sail to face the Spanish Armada, his final moments on this very ground now woven into the identity of the city.

Walk along the promenade and you will see landmarks that shape the skyline, including Smeaton’s Tower rising above the coast and the vast granite breakwater stretching into the sea.

Down below, the paths drift toward the water where people swim, sit on the pebble beach and linger by the edge of the sea. Tinside Lido, the restored 1930s sea water pool, sits beautifully along the shoreline, its curved design and open views making it one of the most distinctive places to experience the coast.

Find a quiet spot on the grass or along the edge of the promenade with your group and watch the sunset reflect across Plymouth Sound. The city feels calmer, the sea softer and the moment more meaningful as daylight fades.

Before heading back, treat yourself to something simple and satisfying. Grab an ice cream from Ray’s Ice Cream Van or The Ice Cream Van on the Hoe and enjoy it as you watch the light fade over Plymouth Sound. It is the perfect way to round off a slow Sunday by the sea.

Wanting to explore more of Devon?

Exeter Cathedral’s ornate Gothic façade overlooks people sitting and walking on the grass in bright weather.

There is still so much more of Devon to explore by train. Use the South Western Railway network to connect to even more coastal towns, city hubs and hidden local spots across the county.

Other SWR stops in Devon:

- Exeter Central
- Cranbrook
- Pinhoe
- Axminster

Plan your trip to Devon with South Western Railway

Explore the best of Devon’s coast and countryside with South Western Railway. Discover cheap train tickets by going off-peak and passengers with a Railcard could save even more, while those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.

Our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets give you extra flexibility if plans change on the day. For additional savings, check your eligibility for Railcards and Ddscounts.

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